Improvements year-to-year of the WRX

[Matt Warnock]

is there any big improvements each year with the WRX? I'm looking at
getting a used one and I don't want to miss out. It looks like they are
basically the same. Same power, couple body modifications. I actually like
the bug eye headlights on the older ones. Is there anything else different
with them?

 

[David Betts]

is there any big improvements each year with the WRX? I'm looking at
getting a used one and I don't want to miss out. It looks like they are
basically the same. Same power, couple body modifications. I actually like
the bug eye headlights on the older ones. Is there anything else different
with them?

Like most cars, they get worse. Basically, they get softer and lose
their purity. Probably the best standard WRX is the facelift edition
of the first series - a few extra bhp and proper seats - although that
did start the trend towards more agressive styling which attracts
unwanted attention. I prefer the discretion of my original model,
despite the utilitarian interior.....and you can get everything else
from Prodrive if you want it. Probably a series one, pre-facelift
five-door with discrete Prodrive engine, suspension, wheel, brake and
body options and a Recaro interior would be my ultimate Rex.

The big step backwards was the bug-eye, which was dumbed down
significantly for a bigger market and lost a lot of the edge of the
original. Basically, with this and the later model you have to go with
the Sti to get back to what it ought to feel like. Biggest drawback of
that is it looks far too 'boy racer'.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[peter]

The clutch in 2002 WRX is weaker and sometimes would shudder.. Suburu would
replace the clutch for free. They put in a beefier clutch, the same one used
in the STi. My WRX's clutch used to shudder and sometimes burn. After they
performed the clutch replacement, no more clutch problem.

Another major improvement is they have a new submodel STi out in 2003. It is
2500cc versus the plain WRX's 2000cc. Cost a lot more and does not have
wagon configuration.

 

[David Betts]

The clutch in 2002 WRX is weaker and sometimes would shudder.. Suburu would
replace the clutch for free. They put in a beefier clutch, the same one used
in the STi. My WRX's clutch used to shudder and sometimes burn. After they
performed the clutch replacement, no more clutch problem.

The clutch on earlier models shouldn't be a problem unless it has been
abused.

Another major improvement is they have a new submodel STi out in 2003. It is
2500cc versus the plain WRX's 2000cc. Cost a lot more and does not have
wagon configuration.

The hike to 2.5 is not an improvement, it's a dumbing down. The rest
of the world gets the same poke and more edge from a 2.0. The extra
half-litre in the US is simply to get back some of the power lost in
meeting emissions regs.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Patrick Fisher]

The clutch on earlier models shouldn't be a problem unless it has been
abused.


The hike to 2.5 is not an improvement, it's a dumbing down. The rest
of the world gets the same poke and more edge from a 2.0. The extra
half-litre in the US is simply to get back some of the power lost in
meeting emissions regs.

Again, the poster is in the US. We have bug-eyed WRXs and new age WRXs and
STis ('04 on) - that's it. Lamenting what the rest of the world used to get
is not productive to the original poster.

Here in the US, your choice is an anemic 227bhp WRX or a 300bhp STi - the
extra half-liter (along with all the other improvements) gives quite a bit
extra "poke and edge" on our side of the pond

 

[Spinifex]

AUSTRALIA

The clutch on earlier models shouldn't be a problem unless it has been
abused.

Not so...... I have had 3 manual transmission Subarus... 1.8L NA, 2.0L
NA (current vehicle) and 2.0 Turbo RS Liberty (Legacy)

In EVERY car, I have suffered clutch shudder on various, sometimes
often, occasions. And I certainly DON'T abuse my clutches. This
happens with every driver who has ever driven any of my vehicles, as
well as for myself. Being my own car, I feel I would be more adept at
the idiosynchrasies of my own vehicle and would be smoother than other
drivers who are not used to it.... but not always so. When it shudders,
it shudders, regardless of WHO is driving it.

My latest vehicle with the 2.0L NA motor also has low-range gearbox, so
when I experience clutch shudder - usually when motor/clutch is cold - I
just use low-range for a few kilometres, to minimise the shudder, due to
less load on the clutch.

I am an experienced rally & motorsport driver, so I do not consider
myself to be rough or abusive to clutches, despite what some readers may
assume happens during competition. The clutch is an important part of
the mechanics of any form of race-car. Yes, it can be driven without
the clutch, but certainly not as easily or safely or as fast - unless
you have a Prodrive Group A model. I just can't seem to find that spare
$ half-Mil hidden inside my pillow to upgrade mine.... !!!

Spinifex

 

[David Betts]

Again, the poster is in the US. We have bug-eyed WRXs and new age WRXs and
STis ('04 on) - that's it. Lamenting what the rest of the world used to get
is not productive to the original poster.

Usenet is an international medium. This is an international newsgroup.
The original poster may be in the US. Many of those reading the
answers will not.

Here in the US, your choice is an anemic 227bhp WRX or a 300bhp STi - the
extra half-liter (along with all the other improvements) gives quite a bit
extra "poke and edge" on our side of the pond

I know. Sad, isn't it.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[David Betts]

AUSTRALIA





Not so...... I have had 3 manual transmission Subarus... 1.8L NA, 2.0L
NA (current vehicle) and 2.0 Turbo RS Liberty (Legacy)

In EVERY car, I have suffered clutch shudder on various, sometimes
often, occasions. And I certainly DON'T abuse my clutches.

I'm not saying they don't judder. I'm saying it's not a problem in
that it is not a symptom of premature wear. They only wear out
prematurely if abused and certainly don't need changing because of the
occasional little bit of judder, which is what the earlier poster
seemed to be suggesting.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[BlueSTi]

The hike to 2.5 is not an improvement, it's a dumbing down. The rest
of the world gets the same poke and more edge from a 2.0. The extra
half-litre in the US is simply to get back some of the power lost in
meeting emissions regs.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

I would say the 300 HP with 300 ft/lbs of torque is a BIG poke! Like
the old saying goes, "there is no replacement for displacement."
There almost always seems to be an increase in Torque with an increase
in engine size.
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"

 

[Ben Dixon]

I can't believe not one person mentioned the fact that the newer cars have a
6 speed trans! Not sure of the year but to me that would be a big plus if I
liked the rest of the car. I drive a '95 BMW 325 i and even though it has
an automatic trans I have been happy with the power it delivers. Every
stinkin time I see a commercial for the new cars and especially when I see
one for the STI it really amazes me that Subaru can do so much with only 4
cylinders No I haven't driven either car cause right now I can't afford
one but that doesn't stop me from admiring from a distance! ben
325i (for sale)

 

[Ken Gilbert]

The big step backwards was the bug-eye, which was dumbed down

significantly for a bigger market and lost a lot of the edge of the
original. Basically, with this and the later model you have to go with

the bugeye's chassis is significantly more rigid.

ken

 

[Spinifex]

AUSTRALIA

Usenet is an international medium. This is an international newsgroup.
The original poster may be in the US. Many of those reading the
answers will not.

Yet another reason I suggested posters include their Location in the
subject line, or the beginning, of their posts.

Makes it easier for people to work out whether or not a particular
thread applies to themselves.

Spinifex

 

[Spinifex]

AUSTRALIA

I'm not trying to be pedantic, but the original poster seemed to be
saying that DUE to the clutch judder, it was prematurely wearing out
(burning). Once replaced with the STi clutch, no more judder, no more
burning, no more wearing out, no more problem.

The clutch judder IS a problem..... and IS an indicator/precursor to
premature wearing. Subaru's seem to be the only AWD vehicle that suffer
this phenomenon. Don't get me wrong.... I LOVE my Subaru's. But I DO
find it surprising that having been one of the AWD innovators SOOOOO
many years ago, and being certainly the most successful and major AWD
vehicle manufacturers of today, they STILL can't put a decent clutch in
as standard. My stock standard 1.8L and 2.0L subies, both non-turbo,
both shuddered horribly.... as well as my 2.0Turbo RS Liberty. I'm
wondering what sort of material Audi uses for their Turbo Quattros? Why
can't Subaru use similar clutch lining material, so their clutches are
still suitable for the daily driver, but strong?

Spinifex

David Betts wrote:

 

[Ryan]

I have a 2002 WRX that I'm selling. It's in excellent condition with around
21000 miles on it. It's a dark blue sedan, 5spd. There are some performance
mods on it as well. Dastek performance chip, up-pipe, down-pipe, blow off
valve, eibach springs, cat-back exhaust and carbon fiber hood. I'm selling
it because I'm hurting for cash so I want to unload it asap. I live near
pittsburgh so if you or anyone is interested drop me an email @
(e-mail address removed) . I have plenty of pics of it.

-Ryan

 

[BlueSTi]

I can't believe not one person mentioned the fact that the newer cars have a
6 speed trans! Not sure of the year but to me that would be a big plus if I
liked the rest of the car. I drive a '95 BMW 325 i and even though it has
an automatic trans I have been happy with the power it delivers. Every
stinkin time I see a commercial for the new cars and especially when I see
one for the STI it really amazes me that Subaru can do so much with only 4
cylinders No I haven't driven either car cause right now I can't afford
one but that doesn't stop me from admiring from a distance! ben
325i (for sale)

True, the 6-Speed never leaves you hunting for the right gear. You
will stay in the power band no matter what speed you need to be going.
There are other perks like the outstanding handling and suspension.
The brakes will just about snap your neck if you really hammer them.
There have been a few times I really got on the brakes and have
actually come away dizzy for the rapid deceleration. And there is
absolutely no brake fade.
All in all the WRX is a outstanding value and a heck of a lot of fun
for the money.
And BTW, you don't want to drive the STi. You will find a way to own
one if you do!

BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"